Connaught Place Delhi: Market, Photos, Timings & Metro 2023

Introduction

Connaught Place, also known as CP. It’s not just a place; Rather, it is an event that reflects the rich culture and business history of Delhi. In this section, we will show you the famous places around Connaught Place. Will talk about its past, sights, shopping areas, places to eat, and much more. Let’s dive right into Delhi!

Connaught Place, also known as Rajiv Chowk, is a busy area in the middle of New Delhi, India. It is also known as a “hub.” This busy place is a key hub for banking, business, and trade. But Connaught Place isn’t just for business. Shoppers, people who like to stay out late, and tourists all like to go there.

In this well-known area are the offices of many well-known Indian companies. It is also a hub for business because of this. But this place is not all work and no play. Connaught Place is also a popular place for shopping. There are shops and stores of many famous brands to suit everyone’s choice. When the sun goes down, Connaught Place comes to life with its busy nightlife. There are many restaurants, bars, and places to have fun, so there’s never a dull moment.

Connaught Place: A Historic Hub of New Delhi

Connaught Place is a beautiful part of New Delhi that has a lot of history. Lutyens’ Delhi built it as part of the construction. It is now a proud landmark building that shows the city’s long history of building styles. Robert Tor Russell, the famous builder, led the construction of it between 1929 and 1933.

Prince Arthur, the 1st Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, was the inspiration for the name of the area. In 1995, they changed the name in honor of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) takes care of and improves Connaught Place because it is so important to them.

This makes sure it stays a busy and loved part of the city.

So, whether you’re a tourist or a local, Connaught Place has something for everyone. This makes it an important part of New Delhi’s ever-changing fabric.

History of Connaught Place

One cannot discuss Connaught Place without mentioning its architectural grandeur. The area has a circular design, resembling the Royal Crescent in Bath, England. It has a grand pillar, white facade, and Georgian-style architecture. Which enhances its timeless attraction.

In the early 1900s during the British Raj, they built Connaught Place. The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn named it. The renowned builder Edwin Lutyens created it and opened it to the public in 1933. The area was designed to be a place for business and fun, and it continues to excel in that regard.

Before they built Connaught Place, the area had a very different appearance. It was a hilly area covered with trees called kikar trees. Wild animals like jackals and wild pigs roamed around. People from places like Kashmere Gate and Civil Lines used to come here on weekends for bird hunting.

There was a Hanuman Temple in the area that was quite popular. People from the old walled city of Delhi come to this temple on Tuesdays and Saturdays. They had to return before sunset because they considered the return journey unsafe.

To build Connaught Place and the areas around it, they had to move towns like Madhoganj, Jaisingh Pura, and Raja Ka Bazaar. These towns used to be along the famous Qutub Road. Which connected the walled city of Delhi (now called Old Delhi) with the Qutub Minar in South Delhi. People from these towns were moved to a place called Karol Bagh, which was rocky and had only trees and bushes.

But a few individuals saved some important buildings from demolition. Some of these were the Jantar Mantar, the Hanuman Temple, and a Jain temple in Jaisinghpura. The builders transformed a hilly, wooded area into Connaught Place.

Connaught Place’s Architectural Evolution:

When they first built Connaught Place, people considered it the central business district of India. But its architecture changed with time. The first architect to work on it was W.H. Were. Nicolas, who used European Renaissance and Classical styles. After he left India in 1917, Robert Tor Russell became the main architect.

The place was initially named after Prince Arthur, the 1st Duke of Connaught. He laid the foundation for the Council House, now known as Sansad Bhavan or Parliament House, during his 1921 visit. In 2013, they renamed it Rajiv Chowk in honor of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

The design of the Inner Circle, Middle Circle, and Outer Circle with circular streets imitated the Royal Crescent in Bath, England. The first archway had to connect the blocks. But they changed the building to make it more grand.

Construction started in 1929, and by 1933, it was part of the bigger growth of New Delhi as India’s capital, along with famous buildings like Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Secretariat Building, Parliament House, and India Gate.

Connaught Place’s architectural journey mirrors the growth of New Delhi into the vibrant hub it is today.

Early History of Connaught Place:

Connaught Place, in its early days, was a trading hub. It housed traders like Ram Chandra & Sons, Novex, and Dhoomi Mal Gallery, dating back to the 1930s. The area was popular with Indian kings and princes. Who went to Connaught Place for the first time to buy expensive clothes and see a movie at the Regal Cinema.

Restaurants like Kwality and United Coffee House offered Continental and Mughlai cuisines. Wenger was a favorite of both British soldiers and Indian royalty. It was famous for its sweets and Swiss candies. On Janpath, where political talks for India’s freedom took place, they opened New Delhi’s first high-end hotel in 1931.

By 1938, people started living on the first floor of Connaught Place. After World War II and India’s freedom, the market grew quickly in the 1950s. It grew into the busy market we see today.

Connaught Place: Post-Independence Changes

Following India’s independence, Connaught Place underwent several noteworthy transformations. In the 1980s, a unique service called “Fatfat Seva” ran with Harley Davidson rickshaws. It used to take people to places like the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk before smog stopped it.

In the late 1970s, they built Palika Bazaar in the Inner Circle of Connaught Place. It was the city’s first basement market. It went all the way out to the Outer Circle and had an underground parking lot.

During this time, state emporiums opened up on Baba Karak Singh Marg, giving people more places to shop in the area. Jeevan Bharti Bhawan (also known as LIC Bhawan). Built by Charles Correa, it changed the skyline of Connaught Place in a big way. In 1986, people criticized it for its overly modern appearance. But as more buildings came up around it, it became a part of the changing landscape of Connaught Place.

Connaught Place Cinemas: A Golden Era

CP is not only about shopping and dining; it’s also a cultural hub. The inner circle hosts various events, from street performances to art exhibitions. The ancient and well-known Regal Cinema shows both old and new movies. So it’s not like any other place to watch movies. When talkies came to Indian movies in 1931, Connaught Place became a popular place to go to the movies.

During the 1930s and 1940s, the square was home to four theaters: the Regal, the Rivoli, the Odeon, and the short-lived “Indian Talkie House.” The Regal was the first theater in the area. It opened in 1932 and showed everything from Western classical music to British plays. The Plaza (1940) and Odeon (1945) followed, enhancing the cinematic experience. Today, PVR Cinemas owns Plaza and Rivoli, and the Odeon is a joint effort between Reliance Big Pictures and PVR Cinemas. The end of an age of fun in Connaught Place, but people will not forget it.

Connaught Place Today: A Hub of Activity

Connaught Place, with its iconic circular layout and radial streets, is a major landmark in Delhi. The inner circle has eight roads. Which includes Parliament Street and Radial Road 1 to 7. The outer circle is officially known as Indira Chowk, also referred to as Connaught Circus. Twelve different roads emerge from here. Janpath, an extension of Radial Road 1, is a well-known thoroughfare.

Palika Bazaar, named after “nagarpalika,” is one of India’s oldest secret markets. It is in a planned area called “nagarpalika.” In the Outer Circle, there are rows of restaurants, shops, and hotels. In 2017, the Regal Building returned as India’s first Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. The Middle Circle houses offices, banks, exchange houses, PVR cinema, and dining establishments.

Central Park: A Cultural Hub

Connaught Place’s Central Park has a rich history of hosting cultural events and serving as a popular local hangout. The Delhi Metro station built beneath it prompted a renovation in 2005-06. Rajiv Chowk Metro station, one of the busiest in the network, connects the Yellow and Blue lines.

The central park area frequently hosts cultural events such as the Urdu Heritage Festival, One Billion Rising demonstrations, the Delhi Government’s Youth Festival, and Awam Ki Awaz (Voices of People) concerts, among others.

National Flag at Central Park

So, Connaught Place is a significant part of history. Because Padmashree Mir Mushtaq Ahmed, Delhi’s first Chief Executive Councilor, used to raise the national flag here on January 26 before freedom. On March 7, 2014, they unveiled the second-biggest Indian national flag. It was 90 feet by 60 feet and had a pole that was 207 feet long. Was lifted in Central Park. This shows that this area has always been connected to India’s long past and lively present. This demonstrates that the area has always had connections to India’s rich past and bustling present. 

Delhi Blasts: A Tragic Incident

During the 2008 Delhi bombings on September 13, 2008, two of the five bombs went off in Connaught Place. Trash cans exploding in and around Connaught Place injured ten people. This was a sad situation. Another bomb went off in Central Park, which was not far away.

Due to these events, the police in Delhi found two unexploded bombs, one of which was at the Regal Theater complex in Connaught Place. As a safety step, the officials got rid of all the trash cans in the area to stop any more threats and keep people safe.

Connaught Place Redevelopment: A Journey to Restore Heritage

Connaught Place had lost some of its past glory by the late 2020s, but it was still a busy market. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) started the “Return to Heritage Project” to bring this famous sign back to life. The plan called for signs that show respect for the area’s past, better roads and drains, better traffic control, street furniture, parking, and changes to the way buildings are built. For example, steps to keep them safe from earthquakes.

They were supposed to complete the project before the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. But this led to delays and cost overruns, making things difficult for shopkeepers and store owners. But work began again after the games, and the new target is December 2012. By 2020, authorities will have fixed up all six blocks of Connaught Place to restore the area’s old beauty.

In January 2017, there was a plan to make the middle and inner rings a walking zone. This will promote eco-friendly transportation as well as help fix infrastructure problems.

Connaught Place in Cinema: A Featured Film Location

Here’s the list of films that have featured Connaught Place as a location:

Please note that the release year for “Agent Vinod” is not provided in the data.

Indian movies have featured Connaught Place extensively over the years because it is such a well-known place.

Explore the Brands of Connaught Place: Fashion and More

Connaught Place is a paradise for people who love shopping. There’s something for everyone, no matter how much money they have or what they like. You can buy trendy clothes in Janpath, electronic gadgets in Palika Bazaar, or high-end names in the Inner Circle. When you shop at CP, don’t forget to haggle! Explore Connaught Place shopping, where you’ll discover a vibrant blend of popular brands, local boutiques, and unique fashion experiences.

Popular Brands:

Here are some popular brands that have stores in Connaught Place. These are what they are:

Local Brands:

Connaught Place also has shops that sell well-known local brands. Here are the names:

Connaught Place Shopping Market in Delhi:

Here’s a list of shopping markets in Connaught Place, Delhi:

1. Connaught Place Market
2. Old Delhi Shopping
3. Palika Bazar
4. Janpath
5. Baba Kharak Singh Marg

These markets offer a diverse range of shopping experiences, from modern retail to traditional bazaars, making Connaught Place a shopper’s paradise in Delhi.

famous restaurants in Connaught Place:

Connaught Place has a lot of different and exciting places to eat. CP has everything, whether you want traditional Indian food or food from around the world. Your taste buds are in for a treat, with places to eat like the United Coffee House and hot street food like chaat.

---

1. Berco’s

• Cuisine: Chinese, Momos, Asian
• Avg Cost for Two: ₹1100
• Timing: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

---

---

2. Zen

• Cuisine: Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Seafood
• Avg Cost for Two: ₹1900
• Timing: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

---

---

3. Warehouse Cafe

• Cuisine: North Indian, Italian, Asian, Mughlai
• Avg Cost for Two: ₹2400
• Timing: 12:00 pm – 1:00 am

---

---

4. Saravana Bhavan

• Cuisine: South Indian, Desserts, Juices
• Avg Cost for Two: ₹600
• Timing: 8:00 am – 11:00 pm

---

---

5. Sagar Ratna

• Cuisine: South Indian, North Indian, Street Food, Desserts
• Avg Cost for Two: ₹600
• Timing: 8:00 am – 11:00 pm

---

---

6. Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra

• Cuisine: Modern Indian
• Avg Cost for Two: ₹5350
• Timing: 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm

---

---

7. Lord Of The Drinks

• Cuisine: Oriental, North Indian, Continental, Italian
• Avg Cost for Two: ₹2500
• Timing: 12:00 pm – 1:00 am

---

---

8. Farzi Cafe

• Cuisine: Bar Food, North Indian, Mughlai, Fast Food
• Avg Cost for Two: ₹2500
• Timing: 12:00 pm – 12:30 am

---

---

9. Kake Da Hotel

• Cuisine: North Indian, Mughlai
• Avg Cost for Two: ₹600
• Timing: 12:00 pm – 11:59 pm

---

---

10. Odeon Social

• Cuisine: North Indian, Chinese, Biryani, Pasta
• Avg Cost for Two: ₹2000
• Timing: 12:00 pm – 11:59 pm

---

---

11. Jungle Jamboree

• Cuisine: Chinese
• Avg Cost for Two: ₹2600
• Timing: 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm

---

---

12. Garam Dharam

• Cuisine: North Indian
• Avg Cost for Two: ₹1300
• Timing: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm

---

These restaurants in Connaught Place offer a variety of cuisines and dining experiences, making it a great destination for food enthusiasts.

Leisure and Relaxation in Connaught Place

In the middle of all the noise and activity, Connaught Place has quiet green areas like Central Park where you can relax and get away from the busy city. Grab a book, go for a slow walk, or just sit back and enjoy the quiet.

Here’s a list of parks in Connaught Place, New Delhi:

1. Central Park
2. NDMC Park
3. Palika Park
4. Model Park
5. Charkha Park
6. Public Park
7. Children Park
8. Public Park
9. Museum of Illusions

how to reach Connaught Place?

Connaught Place is easy to get to and well-connected. It is linked by the Delhi Metro, which makes it easy for both locals and tourists to get there. The nearest metro station to Cannuaghat Place is Rajiv Chowk. And because it is in the middle of CP, it is a big traffic hub. Here we have given some list of means of transport. Using this you can easily reach this place. These are as follows:

How to Reach Connaught Place by Bus?

The bus makes it easy to get to Connaught Place, which is in the middle of Delhi and has a lot of shops and restaurants. From different places in Delhi, you can find step-by-step routes and expected journey times below.

Bus Routes to Connaught Place:

This table format provides a structured view of various bus lines to Connaught Place in Delhi with their respective routes.

Enjoy a convenient and scenic journey to Connaught Place via these bus routes, and immerse yourself in the charm of this bustling Delhi hub.

How to Reach Connaught Place by Metro?

To reach Connaught Place by Metro, you can take advantage of Delhi’s efficient metro system. Below are the travel times from various starting points:

Metro Routes to Connaught Place:

The Delhi Metro is a quick and easy way to get to Connaught Place, so you can easily check out its many sights and shopping choices.

Connaught Place Photos & Images

Attractions and Nearby Areas in Connaught Place

Connaught place timings:

This table provides a clear view of Connaught Place’s opening and closing times throughout the week.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Connaught Place is more than just a place; it is a symbol of Delhi’s rich past and lively culture. It mixes old-world beauty with modern comforts in a way that makes it a must-see place. CP has something special for everyone, whether they love to shop, eat, or learn about other cultures.